Video shows man pushed in front of NYC subway in apparent random attack
NEW YORK — A man was critically injured Tuesday when police say someone pushed him in front of a train at a New York City subway station.
It happened around 1:30 p.m. on the downtown platform of the 18th Street subway station in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood. The disturbing incident was captured on video.
Surveillance video captures NYC subway push
The surveillance video obtained by CBS News New York shows the victim, a 45-year-old man, standing on the platform, looking down at his phone. Another man can be seen walking past him on the platform. The suspect disappears for a minute, then is seen again standing behind the man a few feet away. With no apparent warning, he then pushes the 45-year-old onto the tracks, just as a 1 train pulls in.
One witness told CBS News New York the victim was pushed right in front of the moving train.
"Right at the last second, right in front of the train. Just shoved right up in front of the train," the witness said. "The older man who was pushed just walked slowly to the platform, perfect timing. The other man who pushed him was walking slowly towards him and shoved him, the last second."
The witness said after the push, she left the station so she could call 911.
The downtown side of the 18th Street subway station at Seventh Avenue was closed so the train could be kept at the station while investigators interviewed the train's operator. Service has since been restored.
Kamel Hawkins charged in NYC subway attack
The victim, who police say sustained a skull fracture from hitting his head on the tracks, remains in critical condition at Bellevue Hospital.
Police say 23-year-old Kamel Hawkins, of Brooklyn, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder and assault.
According to police, investigators have no reason to believe the victim knew Hawkins or had any interaction with him leading up to the attack.
Subway riders were unnerved after the incident.
"Lately, there's been so many scary things happened," Francesca LaPrelle said.
"It's unfortunately part of living in the city to me," Chris Boardman said.
"A lot of people don't even pay attention when they're walking because they're always on the phone with their headphones. You have to be aware of your surroundings, everybody," Maria Peña said.
In a social media post, Mayor Eric Adams wrote, "An innocent bystander was the victim of an appalling act of violence at the 18th Street subway stop today. Due to the quick efforts of the NYPD, a suspect has already been taken into custody. My heart goes out to the victim and their family, and I pray for their recovery."
